8 Essential Tips to Survive Mount Snow's 21st Oktoberfest

All Photos Credit: Frost Hollow Photography

Mount Snow's Oktoberfest turns 21 this year. I'm so proud. All grown up now, they can actually legally drink all those stein filled beers they have been serving for the last two decades. And drink, they and I, will. How could I possibly miss the 21st birthday of my home mountain's Oktoberfest? Not that I need an excuse to drink beer and eat food but, if I did, celebrating Mount Snow's 21st annual Oktoberfest seems like a good one. So with my family in tow, I will be making my way to the Green Mountain State on Columbus Day weekend for this time-honored tradition.

With plenty of beer, schnitzel and Oom-pah music, plus fun games like the Gulp and Gallop (my wife and are already registered), Keg Tossing, Stein hoisting and the always popular schnitzel tossing contest this is certainly the perfect way to jump start my intense après-ski training. An absolute necessity with ski, I mean après-ski, season right around the corner. However, Mount Snow's Oktoberfest is fun for the whole family and my girls are just as stoked to take part in the Kids Zone where there will be a ton of family activities including: beanbag toss, a bouncy house, pumpkin painting and, everyone's favorite, donut eating on a string.

With so many fun activities to take part in, it's hard to imagine fitting it all in, but we absolutely have to give it a shot. So to help us with our cause, I caught up with Mount Snow's communications manager and festival expert, Jamie Storrs for his top tips on how to survive Mount Snow's Oktoberfest. So iron your lederhosen and get ready to strap them on for this fun-filled weekend.

Kick off the weekend on Friday: On Friday night at 1900 burger, Mount Snow will be hosting one of its famous beer pairing dinners, this time with delicious beers from von Trapp Brewing and Upper Pass Brewing. Five gourmet courses paired with five tasty beers from two of my favorite Vermont Breweries. Sounds like my kind of event.

Get in early and stake your spot: While most people are content showing up later in the afternoon, those who know show up early and stake out their spot with a popup tent and/or chairs. Not only does this give you a home base, but it gives the kids a place to hang while mom and dad are getting schnitzel-faced.

Take a ride to the summit, but be sure to head down early: Take a trip to the summit to see why Vermont is world famous for its fall foliage with 360 degree views that stretch for miles and let you see four different states. You aren’t the only one that wants to experience these views though, so be sure you head down early to avoid getting stuck in the lift lines. Bonus Points: Hike up to the summit and earn those beers!

Pretzel Neck less:While there’s a ton of great options when it comes to edibles, Oktoberfest veterans come in wearing their own pretzel neck less so when hunger strikes all they need to do is reach down for a snack.

Fun for the kiddos:With a Touch-a-truck event, climbing wall, snowboard rodeo, and many more kid-focused activities, Oktoberfest is a great event to bring the kids as there’s tons for them to do. Heck, they even have a kids version of the Gulp and Gallop 5K race.

Limited Edition Steins:In a tradition that started last season in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Oktoberfest at Mount Snow, they secretly released 150 limited edition steins that sold out in the first 20 minutes. These steins are twice the size of the normal steins and hold a whopping 32oz of German malty goodness. Those who know, know to show up pre-event and purchase these limited steins at Mount Snow Sports in The Grand. Those who snooze, lose!

Keg tossing:Practice makes perfect, so pre-season training is highly encouraged if we want to beat the heavy hitters.